Before we provide our definition of an information system, we first explain the term
“information,” which can mean any of the following:
1. The communication act of one agent—the term “agent” may refer to any entity ranging
from a person or a software component to an organization—informing another
agent (e.g., by exchanging messages);
2. The knowledge or beliefs of agents as a part of their mental state; or
3. (Data) objects that represent knowledge or beliefs